tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225795522024-03-17T15:20:27.763-07:00out on the big limbWarning: this is one of those blogs that goes all over the place. Poems, politics, gripes, praise. A little of everything from an avowed generalist.hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.comBlogger1247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-37703991838660426612024-03-17T15:19:00.003-07:002024-03-17T15:19:55.998-07:00Springing ahead to spring<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw636K1HojWLxiFFslAZJRD_n-KFKLPu9qVUhIzEOYPB7aova3bgmfLQ3rUvpq5bTXWaEbdboibgSHXXTOMygsQjz62hSA3Fap4h11NRMiufqv7ugBE35lgV7t7PBhBVpz-_4GvyeirzS__NgQhjt55QfhtlHFmTfy3YqQzRXLLZWOYJLgnTZpg/s4608/Blackberry%20tangle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw636K1HojWLxiFFslAZJRD_n-KFKLPu9qVUhIzEOYPB7aova3bgmfLQ3rUvpq5bTXWaEbdboibgSHXXTOMygsQjz62hSA3Fap4h11NRMiufqv7ugBE35lgV7t7PBhBVpz-_4GvyeirzS__NgQhjt55QfhtlHFmTfy3YqQzRXLLZWOYJLgnTZpg/s320/Blackberry%20tangle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last weekend saw us springing ahead with the clock, shifting to <a href="https://www.wtvr.com/news/national-news/why-do-we-have-daylight-saving-time-march-10-2024" target="_blank">Daylight Saving Time</a>. This weekend, with the weather warming up so nicely, has seen me springing ahead with some of the clean-up chores out in the yard. <p></p><p>My big project for the year is always my blackberry patch. Knowing what I do about how many trees and vines <a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/03/12/news/bc-fruit-farms-prepared-crop-yields-summer" target="_blank">won't be bearing fruit</a> this summer has made it seem all the more important to look after my little berry patch. </p><p>Although some of the berries I leave on it may serve as a food source for birds in the winter, mostly what lingers can only be deemed a mess. </p><p>Every spring those tangled branches leaning on the fence get a severe haircut--at least that's how I like to think of it--getting prettied up for the season. </p><p>And even as I chop at the dead and stringy branches, I can't help but think of the other aspects of spring cleaning this project always brings to mind. Tossing any item in the fridge (usually a condiment) that hasn't been used, and moving along clothes or books I no longer need (an ongoing, year-round quest). </p><p>Pruning also always reminds me of the editing process: cutting out the dead wood (or words that don't need to be there), and then trying to shape the plant (or the essay or poem) into a shape where it will be most productive and effective. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAX0xrlkOZPB4LThaHfd9Ww2QwQUKlhZJCiRpRbz-y85ZwLV3PLom-E7qNDJL_dgI-Rhk8O7e8KW1KC6qsH5mlBHjgM1kVcOV1GQTU9OlKuRUnvIZOYsEnSTsucPrEkkIks0i9FOqFngpDqvjiMu8pFi8kbnqxdxCG-392sqS3YMoSgb0MRZK0A/s4608/Binned.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAX0xrlkOZPB4LThaHfd9Ww2QwQUKlhZJCiRpRbz-y85ZwLV3PLom-E7qNDJL_dgI-Rhk8O7e8KW1KC6qsH5mlBHjgM1kVcOV1GQTU9OlKuRUnvIZOYsEnSTsucPrEkkIks0i9FOqFngpDqvjiMu8pFi8kbnqxdxCG-392sqS3YMoSgb0MRZK0A/w113-h200/Binned.JPG" width="113" /></a></div><br />The bin full of branches still needs to go into the container the <a href="https://www.surrey.ca/services-payments/waste-collection" target="_blank">recycling truck </a>will pick up this week, a service I am always grateful for--at least as grateful as I will be for the bounty of daily berries in summer. <p></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-7473169530173349722024-03-08T15:08:00.001-08:002024-03-08T19:29:25.810-08:00It's a sign!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVCV1Jg4S4XdoIQ1JzZsayKj0PLS2K0tgXJngdZ6NMPtAhkpafzKJVuXmJvjCD13QBsMYUzAcTRqo9eCb6BSvLnz4gZl4V5qfE_9D1Vsm6S-J-zUzJx3DGKt3OG45mID6nlcI2NoeHweqo1zjCCaZf9y5_dfcNjkB9TP6AAqLYf-Bk9Y7gz64ng/s4608/Sign_women.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVCV1Jg4S4XdoIQ1JzZsayKj0PLS2K0tgXJngdZ6NMPtAhkpafzKJVuXmJvjCD13QBsMYUzAcTRqo9eCb6BSvLnz4gZl4V5qfE_9D1Vsm6S-J-zUzJx3DGKt3OG45mID6nlcI2NoeHweqo1zjCCaZf9y5_dfcNjkB9TP6AAqLYf-Bk9Y7gz64ng/s320/Sign_women.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Yep. That's exactly what it is, and I'm not the person who made it. <p></p><p>I discovered it the other day when I was going up our laneway--probably the single day in a long while that I didn't have my camera on hand. </p><p>But the sign was just toooo good, especially with <a href="https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/international-womens-day/2024-theme.html" target="_blank">International Women's Day</a> on the horizon, so home I went and got the shot. A lucky thing, as only a few hours later, it was gone. </p><p>With all the horrors that have been going on in the world, I can only hope that it's a sign of good things to come. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-71409602360043198082024-02-29T19:16:00.001-08:002024-02-29T19:16:00.262-08:00Leapin' lizards!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg56MNereFf5J2RG5o-rLWByS6ti-0MBd98lHaJmOGef8fRTCG-ygetTBoTlMTenajk-giwBV9iJ0FFJB7DlL3U6gVzUebsg8TaRvjV4D0mP5X8KLjnJqxympP2GmDjnOKy-R8fRxX53RQgfFOUkvgYZjPQvlbnNC3WNPmBxFuVRT6eySRBNH9A/s4608/Iguana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg56MNereFf5J2RG5o-rLWByS6ti-0MBd98lHaJmOGef8fRTCG-ygetTBoTlMTenajk-giwBV9iJ0FFJB7DlL3U6gVzUebsg8TaRvjV4D0mP5X8KLjnJqxympP2GmDjnOKy-R8fRxX53RQgfFOUkvgYZjPQvlbnNC3WNPmBxFuVRT6eySRBNH9A/s320/Iguana.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Although I couldn't find a photo of a lizard in my files, I did find one of this beautiful metal iguana, a piece of sculpture that lives in a friend's rock garden--just the kind of spot a lizard would be sure to enjoy. And as it turns out, an iguana is at least a <a href="https://biobubblepets.com/lizards-and-iguanas-not-the-same-thing/" target="_blank">variety of lizard</a>. Whew! <p></p><p>The Leapin' Lizards quote is attributed to <a href="https://cartooncharacters.fandom.com/wiki/Annie" target="_blank">Annie</a>, the little orphan girl of cartoon fame. And it turns out she's not such a bad choice to think about today, as she was 'born' on February 29th, 1924. </p><p>Yep, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/26/1232986212/leap-day-explained" target="_blank">Leap Day</a>, that 'extra' day in February that gets added every four years (or nearly so, there are a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240228-leap-year-the-imperfect-solution-to-fix-the-calendar" target="_blank">few rare exceptions</a>).</p><p>When I sought out a list of famous people born on this date, I found that for most of them, that date of birth was practically their only claim to fame. The only ones who made much sense to me were the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/famous-sports-figures-athletes-born-on-february-29/ar-BB1j6PID" target="_blank">athletes born on this day</a>, who maybe are better at leaping than most. Hmmm. </p><p>Although there's not really much in the way of formal celebrations for Leap Day/Leap Year, some people do manage to find <a href="https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/1199-7-ideas-for-celebrating-leap-day" target="_blank">ways to do so</a>. As for me, about the only 'leaping' I did today was when the darn phone rang before seven this morning. Sure enough, a robo-call, not at all worth the leap. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-28782557623217239532024-02-24T16:30:00.001-08:002024-02-24T16:30:30.507-08:00Ideas and thoughts beyond our own<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcwqW_6IGzeo4JvGQtCPe5rOKZOTW8Y3L-1LTTYDwUHSYWM95uOF7xTv6GJXGsYnkc5tIzwHfGEDe2am8GLHFo6G91Kw2pFb_4tob7e6V-O1Sm0OouegOcDKh22WCoCmQMuAJcSb8e3NGYXWuhyphenhyphenlHbhe0elTPrV4NuY8KAyUhUsCQHoHGKc7ngg/s4608/DSCN8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcwqW_6IGzeo4JvGQtCPe5rOKZOTW8Y3L-1LTTYDwUHSYWM95uOF7xTv6GJXGsYnkc5tIzwHfGEDe2am8GLHFo6G91Kw2pFb_4tob7e6V-O1Sm0OouegOcDKh22WCoCmQMuAJcSb8e3NGYXWuhyphenhyphenlHbhe0elTPrV4NuY8KAyUhUsCQHoHGKc7ngg/s320/DSCN8516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last week I had the good fortune of being a 'book' of sorts in a '<a href="https://accessola.com/human-library-toolkit/" target="_blank">human library</a>' at a secondary school here in the Lower Mainland. I'll admit that I wondered why I should be selected for such a project, but it turned out that students had plenty of questions for me. <p></p><p>Because I used to work in a library, the place felt familiar in many ways. Lots of books, yes. A bank of computer stations, yes. Tables and chairs arranged around the room. Best of all, young faces asking (often shyly) me about my own books, about writing in general, and of course, what had attracted me to write a <a href="https://caitlinpress.com/Books/F/Flightpaths" target="_blank">book about Amelia Earhart</a>. The one that made me stumble, I think, was from a Grade 11 boy who asked for my definitive idea of what had really become of her. As if I might be able to provide a reasonable answer!</p><p>I'll admit that during breaks, I wandered the stacks, looking at the collection. While I was especially impressed by the many books there by Indigenous authors, I was surprised to spot a couple of books that have been pulled by many libraries. Why? Because those authors aren't exactly what they've claimed to be, their heritage isn't really Indigenous. </p><p>When I spoke with the librarian about this, she explained that it was an issue they were still dealing with. Clearly, it presented a conflict that staff there were trying to draw some lines around. When should (if ever) should a book be removed from a library? When should readers be denied the opportunity to decide for themselves?</p><p>Such questions are exactly why we observe <a href="https://www.canadianschoollibraries.ca/event/freedom-to-read-week-2024/#:~:text=Freedom%20to%20Read%20Week%202024%20February%2018%20-,about%20and%20reaffirm%20their%20commitment%20to%20intellectual%20freedom." target="_blank">Freedom to Read Week</a>. There was a terrific piece by the head of the Calgary Library System offering some strong thoughts in '<a href="https://calgarylibrary.ca/library-news/from-the-ceo-why-our-fight-for-intellectual-freedom-matters-for-all-canadians/" target="_blank">Why our fight for intellectual freedom matters for all Canadians</a>.'</p><p>I especially loved her closing line: "I don't always agree with everything on library shelves, but I will always fight for your right to read it." Exactly. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-14356228769037451102024-02-16T14:10:00.002-08:002024-02-16T14:28:19.854-08:00Not according to plan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDIHjeKoMzKocoWpSg2UH0zvWhWPVikdbEm4-YvRrr88d-06AtpQSpo2EKPb8hAelYZHKuKHmRXB1iQtMv8KTQ9iJzTdNZvOObKKjS0mIughgIgWdtBMCEV51Sq9CXgz7eqJzbTxFSY-HkJF_RuCJ22-CU77f5ZYYrbgBtYXuFfxUjrYobaeB-g/s4608/Unplanned.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDIHjeKoMzKocoWpSg2UH0zvWhWPVikdbEm4-YvRrr88d-06AtpQSpo2EKPb8hAelYZHKuKHmRXB1iQtMv8KTQ9iJzTdNZvOObKKjS0mIughgIgWdtBMCEV51Sq9CXgz7eqJzbTxFSY-HkJF_RuCJ22-CU77f5ZYYrbgBtYXuFfxUjrYobaeB-g/s320/Unplanned.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Today's post was supposed to be a cheery one, celebrating the fact that this little blog has been going (and been reasonably active) since <a href="https://outonthebiglimb.blogspot.com/2006/02/tomorrow-is-finally-here.html" target="_blank">this date in 2006</a>. <p></p><p>Eighteen years. That's how old you need to be to vote, to buy alcohol or cannabis products, to get married without parental consent. The powers-that-be have determined that as the age which deems one an adult. </p><p>Instead, this day is filled with shock and sadness as we have learned of the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/russian-politician-and-putin-critic-alexei-navalny-dies-in-jail-report/ar-BB1inlMY?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=565c1502f3ed48ecbc0663ed9a0f1c72&ei=17" target="_blank">death of Alexei Navalny</a> at a prison camp in the Arctic in Russia. </p><p>No one in what we consider as the Free World is thinking of this as anything but the execution of the person who served as the greatest and most outspoken threat to the tyranny of Putin. </p><p>Strangely, when I sought a bit of comfort in an online word game, the first words played on the board (the computer posted two, I'd only played one) seemed to agree that this death was no accident. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zjj9udMj041yDavd5zjXtqXpwxMlVjVZpH3Tmciw6fhAU_8H1Om446aFeJ0Th-n9ot-XCwvRdZEyyh_Ph2G3dPxoTeCUOdlPrhTGB0z4x4zwdyy2WnTSO2PZOgJZIp-EBOXj3vcOUdbIqx7IJaJerzeKkccAAE_zUOdeIZNeWzx6hOkBomno8w/s4608/True%20Scrab.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zjj9udMj041yDavd5zjXtqXpwxMlVjVZpH3Tmciw6fhAU_8H1Om446aFeJ0Th-n9ot-XCwvRdZEyyh_Ph2G3dPxoTeCUOdlPrhTGB0z4x4zwdyy2WnTSO2PZOgJZIp-EBOXj3vcOUdbIqx7IJaJerzeKkccAAE_zUOdeIZNeWzx6hOkBomno8w/s320/True%20Scrab.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-80583444815860249102024-02-11T15:55:00.003-08:002024-02-11T15:55:43.409-08:00Springin' along<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-54w29UPxLqIjuF043DkpQlLvlEieFvM3IYAFIrKbOd11eYtiCwOnvcR0V0qV7XKRyMYidSyPVnIFKG243UKDrvf8JTQ02g1_dQUNNT6ahe0YmLhWwnptz4VWEGOGtePQo-7jC2Q2O5YOnsz_6hS8rcyKsCIz3heGCTArr0wi51clJmL-nFPUA/s4608/Snowdrops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-54w29UPxLqIjuF043DkpQlLvlEieFvM3IYAFIrKbOd11eYtiCwOnvcR0V0qV7XKRyMYidSyPVnIFKG243UKDrvf8JTQ02g1_dQUNNT6ahe0YmLhWwnptz4VWEGOGtePQo-7jC2Q2O5YOnsz_6hS8rcyKsCIz3heGCTArr0wi51clJmL-nFPUA/s320/Snowdrops.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Some, I'm sure, would swear that seeing a <a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-robin" target="_blank">robin</a> serves as the first sign of spring. I'm pretty sure my mother was in that camp. <p></p><p>Others may contend that it's the job of the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/plant/crocuses" target="_blank">crocus</a> to make this announcement.</p><p>As for me, it's seeing a thicket of snowdrops that tells me spring is on its way. </p><p>With the hard cold (for here) that we've had, the possibility of a new season feels very welcome. And with yesterday's observance of the <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/news/calendar/lunar-new-year-2024">Lunar New Year</a>, the timing seems just right. Let there be <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/lunar-new-year-2024-illustrated-guide-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">dragons</a> (so long as they're gentle, kind ones). </p><p>Now, if only it would warm up a little more so it would also feel more as if spring is truly <br />near at hand. </p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-29176081160034456632024-02-06T17:48:00.000-08:002024-02-06T17:48:33.860-08:00Wasteful<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-peRfpzAHIwTkw5ii1V3JoTdp6L7ktiyB6-FJGiwn64dMGaEyfJS6lUdRvB3G5iid-bW4TvJusmVBcBP6mc-lQbmjh-mueKx-wAwnlW326mQX6HEsSo4vn3BrzmoWRcxIULLKVJV_8Fet-ozU5JTuVdqbccFLfcZaM2qszkoQD95LAqGgBOYttQ/s4608/DSCN8473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-peRfpzAHIwTkw5ii1V3JoTdp6L7ktiyB6-FJGiwn64dMGaEyfJS6lUdRvB3G5iid-bW4TvJusmVBcBP6mc-lQbmjh-mueKx-wAwnlW326mQX6HEsSo4vn3BrzmoWRcxIULLKVJV_8Fet-ozU5JTuVdqbccFLfcZaM2qszkoQD95LAqGgBOYttQ/s320/DSCN8473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At least that's how this scene looked to me. <p></p><p>On the weekend, there was a house there. One, I learned, that had been built in 1967. And here it was, the end of the line for it. </p><p>Why, I wonder, do other towns and cities value their older homes? Is it because they have a greater respect for history, or do they consider the materials and craftsmanship that went into their making?</p><p>When this one was coming down, it didn't crumple easily, but withstood repeated blows from the digger. I couldn't help thinking, as I saw it sway from those repeated thumps, that it would have withstood a substantial earthquake. But then, looking at the materials it had been built with, its sturdiness was no surprise. <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='319' height='237' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzz-RdDpc7EBkdax9nzHFTNfK6LZhuNAcQYMxImuxy7HaSlTar5Dy2hsXYo0VpAZcJkHV2GLpc_4wY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>It had been built with two-by-fours from wood that's far more substantial than <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/building-materials/lumber-and-composites/dimensional-lumber-and-studs/f/ngs-1pz" target="_blank">the lumber that's for sale today</a>. Why weren't those salvaged? Why wasn't that house taken apart, bit by precious bit? Windows? Doors? Light fixtures? All of these are items that cost plenty. And really, why should all of those be going to the already overfull landfill?</p><p>A man was strutting around while all of this was going on, pretty much nodding his head in approval. I suppose he'll be the new neighbour moving in to the undoubtedly mega-house that will be built there. I'd gone down to another neighbour's place, returning a piece of mail that had been mis-delivered to our house and tried to catch his eye to say hello each time I passed him. But no, his eyes may have well have been made of glass, so glazed over were they, so unwilling to engage. </p><p>Today, to give the workers credit, the lot is tidy. There's even a fair amount of lawn-like grass, as if the site is getting ready to be turned into a neighbourhood park. But no, I am sure that isn't the case. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-16378948770376598542024-01-29T14:38:00.002-08:002024-01-29T20:27:02.687-08:00Brain food<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxEsBkZGSp0mftfJRH7NkhMAtIVrNL9sOBosQxKS83BSzf7UrP53UAfSQjnlR3WldR7ljRLXwhcYasLaGxPel1fugiPdVZGgnwhE66h2JHBSB2lkdEZJP4I1abQ0Ep9WFDp-Pnq9e7gI1XplP4JAaLq0BjV8s6SUD5RCYfKf0g8kbhxpJ7eQXMg/s4608/Puzzling.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxEsBkZGSp0mftfJRH7NkhMAtIVrNL9sOBosQxKS83BSzf7UrP53UAfSQjnlR3WldR7ljRLXwhcYasLaGxPel1fugiPdVZGgnwhE66h2JHBSB2lkdEZJP4I1abQ0Ep9WFDp-Pnq9e7gI1XplP4JAaLq0BjV8s6SUD5RCYfKf0g8kbhxpJ7eQXMg/s320/Puzzling.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Our mother used to tell my sisters and me that fish was food for the brain, and did her best to convince us that eating it would make us smarter. She must have believed it was an ingredient we needed as she was often telling us to 'smarten up.' In truth, I always suspected the fish theory may well have simply been her way of getting us to eat sardines.<p></p><p>But the reason I'm thinking about brain food is that today is officially <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-puzzle-day/" target="_blank">Puzzle Day</a>. And if the reports are at all true, I've not (as my mother liked to scold) been wasting hours of my life by <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/puzzle-day#:~:text=Celebrated%20every%20year%20on%20January%2029%2C%20the%20holiday,word%20puzzles%2C%20and%20of%20course%2C%20real%20life%20puzzles." target="_blank">engaging in puzzles</a>. As it turns out, they provide exercise for our brains. </p><p>We 'puzzlers' (the official term for those who enjoy doing puzzles) are a tribe all our own. This is a term I happened to learn from a very fun book I read last week with the puzzling title of<i><a href="https://talonbooks.com/books/?jigsaw" target="_blank"> Jigsaw</a></i>. </p><p>I'll admit to being kind of a puzzle geek, as I love <a href="https://sudoku.com/" target="_blank">Sudoku</a>, crossword puzzles, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html" target="_blank">Wordle</a>, and as you can see from the photo above, jigsaw puzzles, the biggest time-passer of all. </p><p>Both of those puzzles were gifts I received at Christmas, but I haven't started either one of them. The round one, with 500 pieces looks challenging, but possible. While the beautiful <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" target="_blank">Avatar</a>-like image on the other is tempting, its 1,000 pieces leave me hesitant to even open the box, as 750 is my usual maximum. Still, with a new month approaching, the time may be nigh for new horizons with bigger challenges. </p><p>Wouldn't you know--in the process of poking around for this post, I learned that eating fish maybe really <a href="https://bgr.com/science/benefits-of-eating-fish-omega-3-higher-iq-better-sleep/" target="_blank">does make you smarter</a>. Once in a while I guess those mothers of ours managed to get a few things right after all. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-43816893535489896192024-01-12T19:29:00.003-08:002024-01-12T19:29:27.572-08:00Oh yeah??<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLzexvBayf8Sk6vGoQMRSy1tP1B47GLMmOjM3L8dObNjPO6lAqABhoPsyQPQ_LnALfVmAKypLjecGjzmOwAs0j-XScilwzj_oNvBN-EY7NxAfFx4WSd2aK35NkZ0nQ3cC7M4peOUrFOgVivOpmaIk69T_L8RiESEXqrNO894UeR5jHfiJ1fWLOQ/s4608/BC%20Weather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLzexvBayf8Sk6vGoQMRSy1tP1B47GLMmOjM3L8dObNjPO6lAqABhoPsyQPQ_LnALfVmAKypLjecGjzmOwAs0j-XScilwzj_oNvBN-EY7NxAfFx4WSd2aK35NkZ0nQ3cC7M4peOUrFOgVivOpmaIk69T_L8RiESEXqrNO894UeR5jHfiJ1fWLOQ/s320/BC%20Weather.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>I'm not in the habit of arguing with 'answers' on Jeopardy! but hey, today this is just plain WRONG. </p><p>Coldest I can remember it ever being. This morning, our little weather station read minus 15. Hardly what I'd call mild. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-65979719436594262162024-01-04T16:44:00.008-08:002024-01-05T14:20:52.094-08:00Ta-daaaa!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbTsG1SYR68LOHGR6jdwpc1FRU2jmFcySTNmVQQ3REXUpyaqJX329X-7juaNVmw-ax1JbZe1NEXDIIAaYxLWjv_fRTOhxD2zydcKfJZ-7VOBb-nn7fDQQju7pmLhfQYC0SQ0C8W32LPtClZo8BlGURyMInMyHEtF7-E1rfAQmB8h1KC_iHNxwhQ/s4608/Amaryllis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbTsG1SYR68LOHGR6jdwpc1FRU2jmFcySTNmVQQ3REXUpyaqJX329X-7juaNVmw-ax1JbZe1NEXDIIAaYxLWjv_fRTOhxD2zydcKfJZ-7VOBb-nn7fDQQju7pmLhfQYC0SQ0C8W32LPtClZo8BlGURyMInMyHEtF7-E1rfAQmB8h1KC_iHNxwhQ/s320/Amaryllis.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />A new year, hurrah! One that's almost sure to be better--or at least happier--than 2023 with its many horrors and wars. And I hope being a few days late with its bud opening doesn't make it any less appropriate for the new year. After all, what's a few days among friends. <p></p><p>I suppose a flower seems an odd way to celebrate a mid-winter observance, but...to me the showy blossom of the amaryllis looks a lot like a horn that's trumpeting good news. </p><p>At least I sure hope that's what it's announcing. </p><p> </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-91506596014536920812023-12-30T14:50:00.004-08:002023-12-30T14:50:47.574-08:00December roses<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyApqma_VcGIGtlIaEIdt6agiubr7go37tlAriaRv3mx6HQDjVIpe28mKL7m6xVMyjyNv0t3KOhMy2XHZ5HspCEfDlb84JFtcpLUmE1bLotl5P6DHTiSfUd2oUBxsTjb1o3RKL8t5KJyRu6bKJ493Ulu2REbqzhAuIJ1_DdjSuINSeWKOgoZ6Ow/s4608/Roses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyApqma_VcGIGtlIaEIdt6agiubr7go37tlAriaRv3mx6HQDjVIpe28mKL7m6xVMyjyNv0t3KOhMy2XHZ5HspCEfDlb84JFtcpLUmE1bLotl5P6DHTiSfUd2oUBxsTjb1o3RKL8t5KJyRu6bKJ493Ulu2REbqzhAuIJ1_DdjSuINSeWKOgoZ6Ow/s320/Roses.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />A walk in my neighbourhood often reveals something I haven't noticed before. This time, it was a yard with several rose bushes in bloom. I didn't want to barge onto a stranger's property, so I had to make do with a quick snap from just outside their fence. <p></p><p>Temperatures here have been very pleasant, though unseasonably mild. Today's 13 (that's Celsius here in Canada, Fahrenheit conversion is 55) feels like a day when a hoodie should be fine for a stroll. </p><p>That's not altogether good news, especially as it's a current <a href="https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/seasonal/canada-2023-2024-winter-forecast-a-look-at-cold-temperatures-possible-polar-vortex-snowfall-amounts-and-el-nino-effect" target="_blank">trend in much of the continent</a>--yet another sign that our overall climate is changing. </p><p>But I've posted that little rose for yet another reason. Today should be the birthday of a very dear friend. Sadly, he was one of<a href="https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/11/30/bc-toxic-drug-deaths-october-2023/" target="_blank"> the many who died </a>because he had a nasty surprise from the drugs he thought were safe to use. </p><p>And just yesterday came <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-supreme-court-pauses-province-s-public-drug-consumption-law-1.7071225" target="_blank">the news</a> that proposed changes to rules intended to protect the lives of those who are drug-dependent--along with people who may be near them--have been dispensed with (at least for now). </p><p>It's a problem that's not going to go away by merely wishing it so. Nor will any change in legislation bring back any of those now gone. I can only hope for the safety of those who, like the little roses, manage to hang on, as if looking for better times ahead. </p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-7879871667187741962023-12-21T16:54:00.001-08:002023-12-21T16:54:20.774-08:00Return of the light<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLiDnayOCWpOmQLmW9rvdHVx4yChma6vLd8YucLc9D3KkmHemWR12Jea0BZOActTktMpj-YH2yoyoFXLsKAUQKJU60jIT3a8N93rgi5Bl_DkKqiwmgPPGIIUNh0b-xHC7WJl7W1pflrZ3cdORcu_MM8s8ow_wD-L1qOldzw1lBkpOdJ0rmjKsXg/s4385/Winter%20sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2466" data-original-width="4385" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLiDnayOCWpOmQLmW9rvdHVx4yChma6vLd8YucLc9D3KkmHemWR12Jea0BZOActTktMpj-YH2yoyoFXLsKAUQKJU60jIT3a8N93rgi5Bl_DkKqiwmgPPGIIUNh0b-xHC7WJl7W1pflrZ3cdORcu_MM8s8ow_wD-L1qOldzw1lBkpOdJ0rmjKsXg/s320/Winter%20sun.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />For a few minutes yesterday the sun managed to cut through the clouds just long enough to make a small splash of light on the ocean at White Rock. I felt lucky to catch it, as that little spot of brightness didn't last for long.<p></p><p>And now today is when we observe the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2023/12/20/shortest-day-of-the-year-2023-the-winter-solstice-explained/?sh=19aca84e7e9f" target="_blank">Solstice</a>, the day the sun 'returns' bringing us more hours of light, the joy of what we think of as longer days. </p><p>In truth, twenty-four hours is all that any day gets, but oh, that precious light--what a difference it can make to how we live and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/benefits-of-sunlight" target="_blank">how we overall feel</a>--I suppose a natural kind of solar power. </p><p>Sunset here today was<a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/canada/white-rock" target="_blank"> 4:16 pm</a> and won't move even a minute forward until Saturday. Still, it's good to know we're on our way to longer days and more of that beautiful light. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-14623912078120448502023-12-11T16:56:00.002-08:002023-12-16T13:48:57.710-08:00Karma Kardmelion<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAojo6EQXxYaZMTZOw2l1GAuUnOWxR3LJI2na6TPV2HqdiN8JeAMjhRPvcEf6z7GYVcsyLEDEZoTiXLyBu997E8Z-2NYVUwsHsiKsTBkRU6lH5ZvW9JoxZ3-katJvIY0L2UkjPbZPyJOPIh-Ddu560ApexFNgbCs8dBeGT92zCnopF85L7CoNOOA/s4608/A%20slew%20of%20cards.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAojo6EQXxYaZMTZOw2l1GAuUnOWxR3LJI2na6TPV2HqdiN8JeAMjhRPvcEf6z7GYVcsyLEDEZoTiXLyBu997E8Z-2NYVUwsHsiKsTBkRU6lH5ZvW9JoxZ3-katJvIY0L2UkjPbZPyJOPIh-Ddu560ApexFNgbCs8dBeGT92zCnopF85L7CoNOOA/s320/A%20slew%20of%20cards.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Okay, so <a href="https://www.biography.com/musicians/boy-george" target="_blank">Boy George</a> wouldn't much like the way I've rearranged <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_Chameleon#Background" target="_blank">that name</a>. I've been up to my elbows in making and sending out holiday greetings to family and friends, people I don't see often enough. With some of them, it's because they're too far away, be that England or Australia. If I had a <a href="https://www.livescience.com/34005-science-fiction-fact-teleporters-beam.html" target="_blank">transporter beam</a>, I guess visiting would be easier. But since I don't (and I don't think anyone outside of <i>Star Trek</i> reruns does), cards are my best bet for staying in touch. <p></p><p>The dining room table's been pretty much out of commission, owing to the invasion of the cards, though I admit the mess of them strewn across that surface has at least started to diminish. </p><p>The other day I mailed out over 30. Today was a smaller batch by half. The last seem to mostly be ones where I'm having trouble tracking down an address I know has changed, or other such complications. </p><p>So, where do thoughts of karma enter the picture?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEx_PDxB4CR0mdEqucG4cfjNVff99Hz13fzs-KlWFIBNj2bYjhAb3dUy1DPp25zoHQxp65QLHKvrmFI3x9Dig0lBdvNzbj-IMU7daPXK4ED0UCSonxguYrdPlunBPwQo2ZzWMW_G48MJX6LdGXQ1mj_YANhyoZgCRVZDzJOuip6_rjQaSqgz9cNg/s4608/Lucky%20find.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEx_PDxB4CR0mdEqucG4cfjNVff99Hz13fzs-KlWFIBNj2bYjhAb3dUy1DPp25zoHQxp65QLHKvrmFI3x9Dig0lBdvNzbj-IMU7daPXK4ED0UCSonxguYrdPlunBPwQo2ZzWMW_G48MJX6LdGXQ1mj_YANhyoZgCRVZDzJOuip6_rjQaSqgz9cNg/w113-h134/Lucky%20find.JPG" width="113" /></a></div>Walking back to my car on my way home from the post office the other day, a flash of blue caught my eye. Sure enough: a small reward in the form of a five-dollar bill lying on the ground. Natch, I bent down and retrieved it. <p></p><p>What can I say, but thank you, Universe!</p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-30089693822886609612023-12-02T15:14:00.029-08:002023-12-02T15:14:00.146-08:00City by the sea<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1xtYChux5_pK_dTcqXnpne0cT6PpY72_Wb1vv1yFUX75co33JrKSNUISMjAO_GDiKXcVH8mJ6ybQFEz3DJ6qLIJrida9CgfCcPAMrIowYReYciTbOKSGd2AYz_PhGCtB0Xqz1xGpCCB2rF1eHkqe18aImMXnXzuu0tZ_TRCjOPdoF3LIZthXxg/s4608/City%20by%20the%20sea.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1xtYChux5_pK_dTcqXnpne0cT6PpY72_Wb1vv1yFUX75co33JrKSNUISMjAO_GDiKXcVH8mJ6ybQFEz3DJ6qLIJrida9CgfCcPAMrIowYReYciTbOKSGd2AYz_PhGCtB0Xqz1xGpCCB2rF1eHkqe18aImMXnXzuu0tZ_TRCjOPdoF3LIZthXxg/s320/City%20by%20the%20sea.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The nearby city of White Rock calls itself the '<a href="https://www.whiterockcity.ca/372/About-White-Rock" target="_blank">city by the sea</a>'--and they have every right to, as the town stretches its entire length (about two miles) along Semiahmoo Bay, an arm of the Pacific Ocean.<p></p><p>But the city by the sea in my photo isn't White Rock, nor is it any other actual city. </p><p>It's a creation that resides on top of a car, one that's been lovingly decorated by someone with much more talent (and patience!) than I will ever possess. </p><p>I encountered this wonderfully fun creation while visiting one of my favourite towns, <a href="https://enjoypt.com/" target="_blank">Port Townsend</a>, Washington. </p><p>Just out for a walk, taking a shortcut through a little-used parking lot, when I came upon this creation. </p><p>Really, how could I not stop and admire it from several angles. And then of course, I had to take a few photos. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4R4aJJbcDzZbkQnPRIz24ha7tfbIjhbmzc9Ptt_IvvaPH3HzZySJxlNRTFV-gvniIvDjjQAuCrRTWnNLbuXYW-ooVqFFeBRneZqHyWJ2g7ht48-Fxg7SXPyBs00YpGIF9L1IH-U4P32Dh744O0vxWGwdp_5B-9XKH4Bbib6x122IFBgxJbvqwg/s4608/special%20car.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4R4aJJbcDzZbkQnPRIz24ha7tfbIjhbmzc9Ptt_IvvaPH3HzZySJxlNRTFV-gvniIvDjjQAuCrRTWnNLbuXYW-ooVqFFeBRneZqHyWJ2g7ht48-Fxg7SXPyBs00YpGIF9L1IH-U4P32Dh744O0vxWGwdp_5B-9XKH4Bbib6x122IFBgxJbvqwg/w290-h163/special%20car.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>I'll bet you would have had to as well. <p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><br /><p></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-12519265062789458362023-11-23T14:40:00.002-08:002023-12-01T16:53:33.022-08:00So much for clean energy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqnrWHx3kKO0cnHdzAM8I_2Nl90oCg7otUd8LRDjhmcgXickOWziQM6qOsmdoXW1eYkMKuKtabvUsOJnUyojklaxmoZdhctmwut0Lb31JVWnpS3IUQr3CHFeogqIIPeGlqnKRndn8kRv5eY7-LvdH_gvqSSfFpuwXrmyZwttt24Ch8wc2k-UM0w/s4608/Protest%20in%20Victoria.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqnrWHx3kKO0cnHdzAM8I_2Nl90oCg7otUd8LRDjhmcgXickOWziQM6qOsmdoXW1eYkMKuKtabvUsOJnUyojklaxmoZdhctmwut0Lb31JVWnpS3IUQr3CHFeogqIIPeGlqnKRndn8kRv5eY7-LvdH_gvqSSfFpuwXrmyZwttt24Ch8wc2k-UM0w/s320/Protest%20in%20Victoria.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's over a week since I've been home from a trip to Victoria. My reason for being there was the launch of a <a href="https://caitlinpress.com/Books/H/Hologram" target="_blank">new anthology</a> that contains a bit of my work. <p></p><p>While a friend and I were leaving, taking the bus out to Swartz Bay to get the ferry home, we passed a group of people outside a building where the government was holding a meeting. Many of them carried signs, some of them even had '<a href="https://energeticcity.ca/2023/12/01/doig-river-first-nation-elders-lead-burial-ceremony-for-ancestral-remains-share-concerns-over-site-c-environmental-impacts/" target="_blank">Site C</a>' on their banners. </p><p>Their goal appeared to be reminding those inside of their public commitments to care for the environment. Yet sadly, we know that pretty much ALL the power generated by the mega-dam will go to Northeastern BC to power fracking operations. </p><p>Frack. A word that I still believe will, in the future, replace our current F-word as an ugly expletive, as it won't be long until people understand how dangerous fracking is, and how it has the potential to despoil our precious groundwater, a resource (unlike petroleum) we cannot survive without. </p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-44135245250894437642023-11-16T16:37:00.056-08:002023-11-16T16:37:00.154-08:00A new experience<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4YAMGyKFeDiVfOBFHMU_t6iDoHg731sOq6gzjXx9NNscG9-AvtdxjWcoHUao_5spcJ_XBdnAZ0oJ9ka3zbE2iuGCKTfNoZKK8vhNXLJkqlm_5xqGT9w4LpV5IBq0sjob-oYXBrgjOYfGDQqzNfES7cADWBMs75hQdzXyfeJxklx50jxs9l71fw/s4608/Persimmon%20tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4YAMGyKFeDiVfOBFHMU_t6iDoHg731sOq6gzjXx9NNscG9-AvtdxjWcoHUao_5spcJ_XBdnAZ0oJ9ka3zbE2iuGCKTfNoZKK8vhNXLJkqlm_5xqGT9w4LpV5IBq0sjob-oYXBrgjOYfGDQqzNfES7cADWBMs75hQdzXyfeJxklx50jxs9l71fw/s320/Persimmon%20tree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />One of my favourite film characters, the Countess Mathilde Chardin (better known as Maude from <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067185/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Harold and Maude</a></i>) places a high value on the 'new experience' and its importance in enjoying life. So today's post is about a small but definitely (for me at least) new experience. <p></p><p>It started about a week ago when I was at a friend's house where I noticed a beautiful tree, laden with golden fruits. Although they were about the size of a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mandarin-orange" target="_blank">mandarin orange</a> I knew that's not what they were. For one thing, oranges don't grow (yet) here in B.C. </p><p>I wasn't sure but thought they might be persimmons, and sure enough, that's exactly what they were.</p><p>Turns out the ones on this tree were the <a href="https://cookingontheweekends.com/top-fuyu-persimmon-recipes/" target="_blank">Fuyu</a> variety, which are kinder in terms of their readiness to eat. The other kind, <a href="https://healthynibblesandbits.com/hachiya-persimmons-how-to-eat/" target="_blank">Hachiya</a>, has to be fully ripe before they're any good to eat, as they're far too astringent. </p><p>So last night, we sliced one up for our dessert, and bingo, the new experience proved to be a good one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6Q3LxpGzfh9SsrEPyy02k3aLabQWBuJskwxZCdaHgLQtUKkaHybSVmo8AwyrNS9yGqXLWAfK6KoKA3zW2tA6p0AKs-DRFqawzD7jtj2bfOhZRKOjdGUQ_PktD2u_UYJ_VUcAYcdxE1OcFteFJnT4_e_e-yWcC7an7__i1YMSII_DRWhbngbOfg/s4608/Fuyu%20slices.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6Q3LxpGzfh9SsrEPyy02k3aLabQWBuJskwxZCdaHgLQtUKkaHybSVmo8AwyrNS9yGqXLWAfK6KoKA3zW2tA6p0AKs-DRFqawzD7jtj2bfOhZRKOjdGUQ_PktD2u_UYJ_VUcAYcdxE1OcFteFJnT4_e_e-yWcC7an7__i1YMSII_DRWhbngbOfg/w200-h113/Fuyu%20slices.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /> I'm just sorry I didn't pick more than I did. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-82856783538654859902023-11-05T10:00:00.046-08:002023-11-05T10:00:00.144-08:00The end of the End of the Long Dash...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFSwbPFEfmcU8gRTajVEdrxBgPY7ST-uq_Ob1SB0vlp26cRzdl0fDW3RPTySdnnZ6NVdZ2yztWS78CD0-MUcJjYbDKWf6aazCtyIFqsmEQVOPLbmQvbuVQo3xGaRwRPjS5Zt4GCwS20_MAvuCUw-Fhj7KNTzPrI9JVUhertx2OJL1R5rpWvilTIA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFSwbPFEfmcU8gRTajVEdrxBgPY7ST-uq_Ob1SB0vlp26cRzdl0fDW3RPTySdnnZ6NVdZ2yztWS78CD0-MUcJjYbDKWf6aazCtyIFqsmEQVOPLbmQvbuVQo3xGaRwRPjS5Zt4GCwS20_MAvuCUw-Fhj7KNTzPrI9JVUhertx2OJL1R5rpWvilTIA" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p>It was <a href="https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2019/11/05/canada-history-nov-5-1939-the-national-time-signal-begins/" target="_blank">November 5th, 1939</a> that the CBC first broadcast the <a href="https://nrc.canada.ca/en/web-clock/" target="_blank">National Research Council</a>'s official time signal. For those in the Eastern Time Zone, that occurred at 1:00 pm each day. For those of us here in BC in the Pacific Time Zone, the beep came at 10:00 am. And that beep after the long dash was a sound I heard most mornings, as that was when I liked to be sure the radio was on so I could hear the day's news. </p><p>Sadly, we're no longer getting this notification. Plenty of <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/cbc-stops-broadcasting-national-research-council-long-dash-time-signal-1.6988903" target="_blank">reasons were given</a>, though none of them seemed all that important to me. This was just another of those small observances we've become so glib about tossing aside. </p><p>By next year, we may also NOT be going back to standard time, but may instead be making daylight saving time the rule for the whole year, not just the summer months. </p><p>The most ironic aspect of ending the tradition of the time signal is that, if I'm working dates out correctly, it ended on <a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/ways-canadian-thanksgiving-differs-american-thanksgiving" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>. Talk about a kick in the head. </p><p>All I can offer is my own long dash --------- </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>followed, of course, by that clear-toned <i>Beeeeep </i>which for now, I guess, you'll have to play in your imagination. </p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-38117792903035006242023-10-31T17:18:00.002-07:002023-10-31T17:18:38.335-07:00All set for spooky fun!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OmfdQVMnZV02CUmF2YvkF7fmH3v7i95ZzY1WwdvS7JuvauBgxMqtBYbcBsM3Hy4MQBtdegmz2NdVbzz1JUurpKLX_ilQ5OCOFKf2J6aEAhGzUkGt21zVKNvVsoWuPwBXB7E_Iz583AgQY6AAkAG-JMwAMt7LWIMUi4QuvPHEmuo0g_WKzO2CAg/s4608/House%20decorations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OmfdQVMnZV02CUmF2YvkF7fmH3v7i95ZzY1WwdvS7JuvauBgxMqtBYbcBsM3Hy4MQBtdegmz2NdVbzz1JUurpKLX_ilQ5OCOFKf2J6aEAhGzUkGt21zVKNvVsoWuPwBXB7E_Iz583AgQY6AAkAG-JMwAMt7LWIMUi4QuvPHEmuo0g_WKzO2CAg/s320/House%20decorations.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Every year, it seems that more people in our neighbourhood decide to decorate their yards for Halloween. Tonight, the one in the photo above even has scary sounds emanating...Ooooooh, scary stuff!<p></p><p>We're more traditional (probably many would say 'boring') as all we have are a couple of jack-o-lanterns and a bag with a candle in it (<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminaria" target="_blank">luminaria</a>) to guide tricksters up the walkway. </p><p>Further down the street, there's a pair of skeletons taking a ride to who-knows-where! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuy8aV-Fo2mWnz9zEW69cPKZzSaldTqEO8kZUPKvKWzfRu4euw3OGKl5zMrMPPLB6OWEAUfutWx9JhjuFOVbQLlBK_b_-mUgIBosONo7ntoNumWLjI2I2x-TVDcPXuTadFnHfvRtqrXeQJji3NunaPwDSgdGN1B3k-_XN4FGQ9KqU6nDCBV9x9g/s4608/Skeletons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuy8aV-Fo2mWnz9zEW69cPKZzSaldTqEO8kZUPKvKWzfRu4euw3OGKl5zMrMPPLB6OWEAUfutWx9JhjuFOVbQLlBK_b_-mUgIBosONo7ntoNumWLjI2I2x-TVDcPXuTadFnHfvRtqrXeQJji3NunaPwDSgdGN1B3k-_XN4FGQ9KqU6nDCBV9x9g/s320/Skeletons.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">Good fun for a special night, and happily, one without rain.</span></div><p></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-72078704232519773022023-10-22T10:06:00.002-07:002023-10-23T10:37:52.613-07:00End of the Line<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirICWKwomnseRMFA5udz9LnZwRYUJA9q-EbJvxw7sTvoDpgsea5mt_o4VcdwfY3LH7QFakYUIZVbYBIWyGyvjqLRV3czotWtBy7N38Y9kqHyMpG4hX57S0Akhu7pkE1ZDWNR0yT61_PNj08d-88E0ozoBwZzCOPnVJckofWAs0jC1j0ZKDCxmioQ/s4608/Apples%20from%20LS.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirICWKwomnseRMFA5udz9LnZwRYUJA9q-EbJvxw7sTvoDpgsea5mt_o4VcdwfY3LH7QFakYUIZVbYBIWyGyvjqLRV3czotWtBy7N38Y9kqHyMpG4hX57S0Akhu7pkE1ZDWNR0yT61_PNj08d-88E0ozoBwZzCOPnVJckofWAs0jC1j0ZKDCxmioQ/s320/Apples%20from%20LS.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It might seem odd to feature an image of apples, long associated with new beginnings (think Eden, even), in a post marking the end of something. In this case, unfortunately, those wonderful apples are the last of their kind. I'm not even sure what variety they might be, but because I know the people who rented a house on the land with the tree, I've had access to these for quite a few years. <p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YFciQQIM4vFxDDM13DjW-pvJVXMzu0qIQz1XTtu8PNcalf3k20zdkLDKOLwh6hTXY5UjfDRwHusgsLj9j6dzEE_SaEiipsd3WUwGuYKaaWEDFjS01L1Kfqwg-spSmEVvdKqbRy0wD_6eqzl7J_1gz78YZYUCXODWkQ-0Vzyf1OqjCgMGWD1orw/s4608/Apples%20drying.JPG" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YFciQQIM4vFxDDM13DjW-pvJVXMzu0qIQz1XTtu8PNcalf3k20zdkLDKOLwh6hTXY5UjfDRwHusgsLj9j6dzEE_SaEiipsd3WUwGuYKaaWEDFjS01L1Kfqwg-spSmEVvdKqbRy0wD_6eqzl7J_1gz78YZYUCXODWkQ-0Vzyf1OqjCgMGWD1orw/w113-h200/Apples%20drying.JPG" width="113" /></a>The parcel of land with the house has now been sold. Like so much of the land near here, what was once farmland has now been zoned industrial. Sigh. But back to the apples.</p><p>Not great for in-the-hand eating, but wonderful for pies or applesauce or, as I mostly do, dehydrating. Odd perhaps, but I no longer use an actual dehydrator, as I've discovered that the pilot light on our gas fireplace makes for just the right temp to slowly dry the fruit. </p><p>Little bags of dried apples will find their way into gift packs at Christmas, though I guess for next year, I'll have to find some other old-timey apple tree that will serve me with a supply of windfall fruit. And hoping for sure, with all the strife currently raging in the world, that this holiday season won't be the end of the line for everyone. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-40992440844092447742023-10-14T13:24:00.002-07:002023-10-14T13:24:40.772-07:00Eclipsed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDOqNv3OvW8HPYxZt41EEtMpIZFdoIfipb0vBZxXed4xVIXG1_JhGCQYpCVO_W4kk3kgwAjt-ZHeUIApfBj8yayJ_muwShs3BsrV04NaXISlHKke8JwA9wCv2JPw9U3fjN3GhT4WdKtcKUYlvGxfKnMvk-D3jBm2LEFgWCg0po_zyQJxY1QruhA/s4608/Sky%20view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDOqNv3OvW8HPYxZt41EEtMpIZFdoIfipb0vBZxXed4xVIXG1_JhGCQYpCVO_W4kk3kgwAjt-ZHeUIApfBj8yayJ_muwShs3BsrV04NaXISlHKke8JwA9wCv2JPw9U3fjN3GhT4WdKtcKUYlvGxfKnMvk-D3jBm2LEFgWCg0po_zyQJxY1QruhA/s320/Sky%20view.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Earlier this morning I headed outside, hoping to get a glimpse of the partial eclipse that was supposed to be visible here. <div><br />But instead of a view of the sun, I was greeted by clouds. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, because I know how quickly our weather can change (yes, it can be an all-weathers-in-a-day kind of place), I poked around in the garden a bit, waiting in case the clouds might blow past. </div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily I knew where my <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/11/world/solar-eclipse-glasses-eye-protection-scn/index.html" target="_blank">special eclipse-viewing glasses</a> were--the same pair from when I'd watched <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKAuj4eIvWNo4nF9suA9PuR1afYZi4uFgPqtcBpvCdlWLjGw0f31rct0vqsP2qX11dSwdVsqEyoXoaHZh-a7lqYkV8DvmwffuHS2jsOHJAid5qPYsrVmj-e5UHI5FTLVE41p3n6PCMz_XKCJtbtzvXSYRJbH1r10EXH0IUFmp9rcIiRCVMTlBaw/s4608/Glasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKAuj4eIvWNo4nF9suA9PuR1afYZi4uFgPqtcBpvCdlWLjGw0f31rct0vqsP2qX11dSwdVsqEyoXoaHZh-a7lqYkV8DvmwffuHS2jsOHJAid5qPYsrVmj-e5UHI5FTLVE41p3n6PCMz_XKCJtbtzvXSYRJbH1r10EXH0IUFmp9rcIiRCVMTlBaw/w200-h113/Glasses.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>the total eclipse in 2017. When I put them on, I thought they must have gone 'bad' from being so old, as I couldn't see <i>anything </i>through them. But I guess that's exactly how dark they're supposed to be, as a few minutes later when the sky cleared a bit, there it was--a partially occluded sun!</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't want to fry the light-sensing unit in my faithful little camera, so I refrained from trying to shoot with it. As a result, all I can do is tell you what I saw: in essence, a 'crescent sun' with the 'C' of its shape pointing downward, the black circle of the moon beneath. But here's a<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/science/brief-cloud-breaks-bring-cheers-from-excited-partial-solar-eclipse-watchers-in-b-c/ar-AA1icb8j?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=0f62c275b0fd4e198c55040b053c68c5&ei=10" target="_blank"> link to a news story </a>about the event as it took place on the south end of Vancouver Island, not so far from here as the proverbial crow flies. It contains a few amazing images, which may help satisfy your craving for a glimpse of what I got to see today. </div>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-43229465668581981822023-10-09T17:20:00.000-07:002023-10-09T17:20:13.384-07:00Traditional<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0W0If8dwzTEWYp02UXmMjewjdR2mqLkvkOt3c4OcetwZdjpJmro02WjNMPf968f2jucl-zm0XuUGds9bLiKEgQqF90QG5EmKnYbPgRLsJtQppnUgu6tBqvxMflM3C19dEVeS5EF5ymsKUFdeIRL5HorDcpjU1kEqG5FkxKZGWtkTP-d-NlhBPQ/s4608/Turkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0W0If8dwzTEWYp02UXmMjewjdR2mqLkvkOt3c4OcetwZdjpJmro02WjNMPf968f2jucl-zm0XuUGds9bLiKEgQqF90QG5EmKnYbPgRLsJtQppnUgu6tBqvxMflM3C19dEVeS5EF5ymsKUFdeIRL5HorDcpjU1kEqG5FkxKZGWtkTP-d-NlhBPQ/s320/Turkey.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>How lucky--to be invited for a Thanksgiving dinner--one I didn't have to make! About the only thing I needed to do was go along to the local store in search of a roasting pan that would be big enough to accommodate this beautiful bird, as the one in the cupboard was too small. <p></p><p>After its ride in the oven while the rest of us went out to a local park for a stroll, the golden bird was ready for sharing. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z4QJ7cthX6xeMIpk2LS-j0HQxdXUQXWAIjKhM0Zp1wYHVBr9MRTykNRcVrkrIGdSklz5uxMjxu71WZtizCu_bpJ2KVB-1XoV-qaC7AHZjktAJ91OtBbwXtjFPojUEYqDH7zjylXQFlnmvixfT4qir_AdOGoJcviNyDickl1i9yVmhjkAmJlc8Q/s4608/Trimmings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z4QJ7cthX6xeMIpk2LS-j0HQxdXUQXWAIjKhM0Zp1wYHVBr9MRTykNRcVrkrIGdSklz5uxMjxu71WZtizCu_bpJ2KVB-1XoV-qaC7AHZjktAJ91OtBbwXtjFPojUEYqDH7zjylXQFlnmvixfT4qir_AdOGoJcviNyDickl1i9yVmhjkAmJlc8Q/w200-h113/Trimmings.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>As we sat down with our meal, we remembered a dear one who had made turkey dinners for all of us in the past. And in honour of her, we were lucky enough to be feasting on food that came from some of her recipes. <p></p><p>A feast to be thankful for, complete with all the trimmings. </p><p> </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-39494653508991928112023-10-06T17:44:00.005-07:002023-10-06T17:44:35.950-07:00Ten-four plus two<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnwsMl8ZygFeAg8GOk5dDaax3CD-yRoRQpi8PV-UAc98Q-s4bpUiepM9uTk8GBI_eGcuM3svL_4ZtEwKiQB3L8dvrloRVkNv6vL8g7QdxJQbxRyke-FIrMtXdn9iU-rmcX_s71EMeEyBqlUAO7dEuPpR_hVoVpdoTiKLuXnStSLvouCKzZAMkTg/s4608/DSCN7287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnwsMl8ZygFeAg8GOk5dDaax3CD-yRoRQpi8PV-UAc98Q-s4bpUiepM9uTk8GBI_eGcuM3svL_4ZtEwKiQB3L8dvrloRVkNv6vL8g7QdxJQbxRyke-FIrMtXdn9iU-rmcX_s71EMeEyBqlUAO7dEuPpR_hVoVpdoTiKLuXnStSLvouCKzZAMkTg/s320/DSCN7287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Sometimes, my brain gets distracted by internal number games. Probably that's one of the reasons I like playing <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/puzzles/sudoku" target="_blank">Sudoku</a>. <p></p><p>But the other night as I was falling asleep, it struck me that the day's date, October 4th, 'translated' as 'ten-four,' a phrase I've heard on too many cop shows (think: the classic<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_Patrol_(American_TV_series)" target="_blank"> <i>Highway Patrol</i></a> for one).</p><p>So yesterday (10/5), I thought I'd start poking around to check out the meaning of ten-four. And sure enough, it not only translates as 'okay' or 'all right' it turned up as an answer to a clue in that day's <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords" target="_blank"><i>New York Times</i> Crossword</a>, another of my almost-daily addictions. There it was, 31-across: "Understood" and indeed, the answer, strung across seven blank squares required filling in T-E-N-F-O-U-R. Which means that I got at least one of their brain-teaser clues answered correctly. </p><p>I took that as confirmation that I needed to look up what ten-four really meant, and found (who knew) that there's a whole list of <a href="https://policecodes.net/ten-codes/" target="_blank">'ten-' codes</a> with today's date (10/6) meaning as 'busy' (which it was). </p><p>A further trip down the rabbit hole of the Internet informed me that October 4th is indeed ten-four day, and a special day for saluting radio operators, though I'm not sure how many of those there are anymore. </p><p>I figured before I tried figuring out codes for the whole month, this would be a good way to end the week--especially where this is the long weekend when we celebrate <a href="https://www.calendarz.com/when-is/canada-holidays/thanksgiving-canada/2023" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>. I know that I have much to be thankful for, in particular, the bounty of this season's harvest. I certainly hope that you have much to be grateful for too. And to that, for now, I can only say 'ten-four'. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-31200126031424235222023-09-29T18:04:00.003-07:002023-09-29T18:04:22.873-07:00Nearing the speed of light<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7foqqySP77nEH_TQC_kMAOFguAgtfI0bect6m7c9VKch1Reda2zRS5BUYun5niB7rJvgVlPT4TKDDnqyPEG6F6FJHkSHuIl4QP6TakZ5__13Ws8fgvUsDzZOvwqgAZ0tk8oNgS6FWICilweGfcOgjvYQX3ewhxzCHBilHG9pEqBA427DFeuvaow/s4608/DSCN7332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7foqqySP77nEH_TQC_kMAOFguAgtfI0bect6m7c9VKch1Reda2zRS5BUYun5niB7rJvgVlPT4TKDDnqyPEG6F6FJHkSHuIl4QP6TakZ5__13Ws8fgvUsDzZOvwqgAZ0tk8oNgS6FWICilweGfcOgjvYQX3ewhxzCHBilHG9pEqBA427DFeuvaow/s320/DSCN7332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>All right. I admit to an exaggeration, but...I can't believe how this month has flown past. <p></p><p>Sure, there's been plenty going on to keep me busy--from <a href="https://www.wordvancouver.ca/" target="_blank">Word Vancouver</a> to last weekend's BC and Yukon Book Awards Ceremony. </p><p>Quite a few of the Word events are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL7MjNxaOYdtjoepZf-PAe7RofNwND3U" target="_blank">still available online</a>, and many are worth tracking down. </p><p>As for the<a href="https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/" target="_blank"> book awards</a>, the ceremony isn't online, but at least the results are posted. </p><p>And yes, quite a bit of the month was spent looking after that<a href="https://outonthebiglimb.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-tale-of-tail-and-more.html" target="_blank"> kitty I wrote about</a> last time. </p><p>Technically, the <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/autumnal-equinox.html" target="_blank">season changed officially</a> last weekend. And technically, this morning was the official time of the <a href="https://www.fullmoonology.com/full-moon-september-2023/" target="_blank">full moon</a>. Still, I'm sure it will be just as big and beautiful tonight as it was yesterday evening. </p><p>Today was another of the cleaning-up-the-yard-for-autumn days, with a substantial amount of debris from the blackberry hedge making it into the<a href="https://www.surrey.ca/services-payments/waste-collection" target="_blank"> green bin</a> for next week's collection. Both hibiscus trees are now indoors, and the outdoor cushions have been stored away, but there's plenty more to do to get things set for the winter. Still, it'll happen. It always does. All in good time, and definitely slower than the speed of light. </p><p><br /></p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-11692194310987479062023-09-21T17:59:00.002-07:002023-09-21T18:00:52.356-07:00The tale of a tail and more<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi4aNTdaJxXpZLnfQlZHVBZ_jTO-Xqco1HtuXZio_9wgf0ty1w7rAsXhfD04x9TJwQvJe2ProrHTvLZVBgD93-kZPX1vNift50fCMmKaV-Xh-LgBYDmDFm2g8L-R2Bjb3UFa4AC2iKuQeeCA6Cb2HNgjpSqCe4Dml2Ch-pebIjDi3L5H9K_DmMQ/s4608/Tale%20of%20a%20tail.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi4aNTdaJxXpZLnfQlZHVBZ_jTO-Xqco1HtuXZio_9wgf0ty1w7rAsXhfD04x9TJwQvJe2ProrHTvLZVBgD93-kZPX1vNift50fCMmKaV-Xh-LgBYDmDFm2g8L-R2Bjb3UFa4AC2iKuQeeCA6Cb2HNgjpSqCe4Dml2Ch-pebIjDi3L5H9K_DmMQ/s320/Tale%20of%20a%20tail.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Earlier this month, I spent some time cat-sitting--not something I do very often, as I have allergies, but...This kitty is special. Her name is Miss Molly. <p></p><p>It didn't take many days for her to train me to understand her needs, including when to brush her, pet her, go outside with her, and of course, dole out the snacks. </p><p>She'd sit near me and give me 'the look' which fortunately, I learned to understand. Standing by the kitchen door was the easiest, as it meant she wanted me to grab my book and for the two of us to go out to sit on the deck on the puffy-cushioned chairs. </p><p>When my tour of duty was nearing its end, I was packing my things and had left the bag for my rainboots and extra shoes on the floor. </p><p>Since pretty well all paper bags are fair game for kitties to climb into, that's exactly what she did. </p><p>But little did I know that she'd curled up inside. So when I went to pick up the bag, it was much heavier than I'd expected it to be. Then slink, out she came, clearly not happy that I'd disturbed the place she'd chosen for a nap. </p><p>I'm hoping that particular experience didn't sour our relationship too much, as I'm planning to go back there in October. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what she decides, whether I will remain worthy of her friendship or not. </p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22579552.post-53412265268549171882023-09-10T15:46:00.004-07:002023-09-10T15:50:19.737-07:00Foraged<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-PZcNI5qBakR-ipS93PyxdrBgZlvQJhakAqYmjoFu5VASJAnuR6uF_DwruuYzST3Mggio8JPThn_QWXoC765i5UgPUDxVt80WprGGQkrZrlu5MRzBVyhmMdVpperJNBzFYbBiPwxvZcjNrSTVOwYj_R3ZJiUvNnCI9zwGMwmiQjwaXcFDZL7vw/s4608/Seaweeds.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-PZcNI5qBakR-ipS93PyxdrBgZlvQJhakAqYmjoFu5VASJAnuR6uF_DwruuYzST3Mggio8JPThn_QWXoC765i5UgPUDxVt80WprGGQkrZrlu5MRzBVyhmMdVpperJNBzFYbBiPwxvZcjNrSTVOwYj_R3ZJiUvNnCI9zwGMwmiQjwaXcFDZL7vw/s320/Seaweeds.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>While I am very grateful that I don't have to rely on my foraging skills to eat, it's certainly an activity that I enjoy.<p></p><p>As the various fruits have ripened over the summer, I've been picking and packing those away as wintry treats. So far, four kinds of berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries) are either in the freezer or stored as jars of jam. As for apples and pears, I've been freezing or canning them, and may still dry a few. Some of these treats will fill gift bags at Christmas. Others will be hand to enjoy with toast or yogourt. Frozen ones will serve as filling in crisps or pies. </p><p>It's not time yet to go out seeking mushrooms, especially where we're still <a href="https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-s-drought-a-sleeping-giant-of-a-natural-disaster-minister-warns-1.6550465" target="_blank">experiencing drought conditions</a>--once practically unheard of here in Canada's rainforest province. Those need the kiss of moisture to bring their fruiting bodies to the surface of the woodlands. </p><p>So yesterday saw me exploring the rocky shoreline for seaweeds. I suppose because I'm somewhat adventurous, I enjoy adding these to soups or stir-fry dishes. As the tide receded, there were so <a href="https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=seaweeds+of+british+columbia&qpvt=seaweeds+of+british+columbia&form=IGRE&first=1" target="_blank">many different kinds</a> to gather. Our province is home to a huge variety from <a href="https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=giant+bull+kelp+image&qpvt=giant+bull+kelp+image&form=IGRE&first=1" target="_blank">giant bull kelp</a>, some of which are now endangered as are so many species on our fragile planet. </p><p>When it comes to preserving them, drying seems to work best, and they reconstitute quickly when they hit the hot broth. They'll be an interesting taste treat in the coming months--and in addition, a nice <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-seaweed" target="_blank">boost of vitamins and minerals</a>, including iodine. </p><p>Like I said, I am fortunate to not have to rely on what I forage, but it's something I will probably always like doing.</p>hghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02665420680596679279noreply@blogger.com0